Hiraeth

British spy-master, The Earl of Tredomen, has always used his political intrigues to enhance his personal finances. Now that the Richleigh family are united once more, and he is cash-rich as a consequence of the high-drama enacted in the ruins of Sebastopol at the climax of the Crimea war, he now has America as his main target where he is convinced that Civil War is a foregone conclusion. As a life-time defender of Britain, he knows that certain traitorous and insurgent groups are constantly plotting the downfall of his country and see America as a means of attaining their ambitions. He sees the Richleigh's, their goal set irrevocably on the gold-fields of California, as the perfect conduit for his plans. Joining the party is Lady Rhiannon, now romantically linked with Daniel Richleigh, who is partnering him in a major banking venture. Youngest son, Jonathan, is also with them, initially to track-down his sweetheart, who has been sent to relatives in America to prevent their union. Over the following months they experience political machinations, commercial shenanigans, an assassination and murderous activity, gaining life-long friends along the way but also crossing paths with past enemies who wish to thwart their objectives.